The cost of crossbreed puppies - wtf?!

[Mybobowler]

I'm on the lookout for a crossbreed puppy. Because I don't want a pedigree, reputable sites like Champdogs are no good, so I'm mostly scanning Pets4Homes.

I must have been so naive, but I can't believe the prices some people are asking. £1000+ for a crossbreed seems pretty normal, it's insane! Has it always been like this, and should I just accept that this is the price now? Thing is, a high price seems to be no indication of a careful and responsible breeder. Does anyone have any advice on where to look and what to look for when buying a non-pedigree dog? I've found one or two established breeders of the breed mix I'm looking for, but it looks as though they only have a litter every couple of years.

I should say - I would much prefer to rehome rather than buy a puppy, but with young children and a 5ft (not 6ft) fence, I've had no luck so far.

I should also add - long dogs need high fences. Ours could easily jump a 5ft fence if she chose to!

ETA - They love food and will counter surf if you're not careful (we found this out at one of my daughter's birthday parties 😆)

If you like Beddy whippets have a look at the Hairy Sighthounds group on Facebook. Lots of rescues adn people who might find a puppy on there. Lots of Hairy McLary lookalikes asleep with their legs in the air

I'm with you - I'd love another total mongrel but around here we're all gundogs and pedigrees and nobody does the old fashioned thing of 'bitch in heat got out' because the pups are worth such a lot as pure bred working dogs.

I would love a Heinz 57 like my old dog when my (purebred, working breed) dog goes but I think I'm going to have a long search.